Australian P.M. spurs on netball side

Press, 26 April 1989, Page 76

Australian P.M. spurs on netball side

From

DIANNA LESLIE

in Auckland The Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, made a plea to the national netball team before it embarked on the Milo test series against New Zealand — “don’t let the Kiwis win another one.” Michelle Fielke, the new Australian captain, who was seated next to Mr Hawke at the time, could not mistake the gleam of age-old rivalry in his eye. The first test, at the Chase Stadium in Auckland this evening, promises to expose all the national spirit which was so evident the last time the world’s two top netball teams met. Both sides are under the direction of a new captain. New Zealand’s Wai Taumaunu and Fielke will probably both be marshalling their charges from the goal defence position. The Australian team had its first run against Auckland on Monday evening, winning 59-31 with some dynamic form. Lyn Parker, the New Zea-

land coach, kept a low profile in the audience while assessing the green and gold form. “It was their first game and they were obviously working on team play,” she said. “I don’t think they have any weaknesses. They are a solid team with some really good players which includes the young ones.” Mrs Parker is approaching her first test as the national coach with decorum. “It is a task which has to be done. I will just work logically towards it,” she said. Not surprisingly, the youth in the side have enormous potential. Carissa Dalwood and Nichole Cusack, both in their debut games for the national side, were particularly impressive and at just 19 and 22 years respectively, New Zealand can expect a torrid time from them. Cusack hardly missed a beat at goal shoot with high and deadly-accurate shots. Dalwood came on at three-quarter time at centre and quickly settled into a nimble routine. Wilma Shakespear, the

Australian coach, who is head coach at the Australian Institute of Sport, was grateful for the warm up match against Auckland. "I was pleased to get the team on against them. New Zealanders have a completely different style and while we watch it on videos nothing can replace getting out there against it.” Both teams believe they have the right formula to win the series — New Zealand with more varied play, Australia with hard, fast and uncompromising tactics. New Zealand is well Into its build-up as it has been together since April 16 while the Australians saw each other for the first time since Easter at Sydney airport on April 23. • “Out fitness is good and it has been great not to be slugged in the lead-up to the test,” said Fielke. “Naturally New Zealand is going to stick to what they think works and so will we.” There will be plenty of speculation about who will fill Tracy Fear’s goalkeep position. Robin Dillimore

the new cap from Waikato, Annette Heffernan (Canterbury) and Sharron Burridge, also of Canterbury, will be strong contenders. Mrs Parker has several options around centre court positions and the goalkeep. Rita Fatialofa is equally effective at wing or goal attack while Ana Noovao and April leremia (Canterbury) will be eager to gain a place in the starting line-up. Tracy Eyri has been in exceptional form at goal shoot and Sandra Mallett will almost certainly take the centre position. Three neutral umpires from Wales, England and Jamaica will officiate. The squads are: New Zealand: Waimarama Taumaunu (captain), Sandra Mallett (vice-captain), Sharon Burridge, Julie Carter, Robin Dillimore. Tracy Eyrl, Rita Fatialofa, Annette Heffernan, April leremia, Ana Noovao, Julie Townsend, Louisa Wall. Australia: Michelle Fielke (captain), Susan Kenny (vicecaptain), Nichole Cusack, Carissa Dalwood, Sally Ironmonger, Jennifer Kennett, Roselee Jencke, Jenny Longhurst, Lisa Wilson, Vicki Wilson.